Telstra mobile reception at the Lake, a Dunn deal
Friday 23 August 2019 - For the first time ever, locals and holidaymakers will be able to use their mobile phone to make calls, send a text or upload a photo when visiting the popular watering hole, Lake Dunn.
In a joint initiative between Telstra and the Barcaldine Shire Council, a Mobile Satellite Small Cell was installed at Lake Dunn and switched on earlier this month, providing mobile coverage for the thousands of visitors who like to cool off at the lake each year.
A Telstra Satellite Small Cell is a smaller, lower cost version of a standard mobile base station, giving customers located within proximity of Telstra mobile coverage via the satellite network.
Telstra Regional General Manager Rachel Cliffe said Telstra was thrilled to partner with the local council to deliver much needed mobile coverage to the area.
"Rolling out 4G voice services on small cells is part of Telstra's commitment to expanding its 4G coverage in regional Australia and highlights the ongoing investments we are making in our mobile network for our rural customers," Ms Cliffe said.
"These small cells use satellite technology to cost effectively deliver mobile coverage to areas where existing coverage is minimal or not available.
"Now that Lake Dunn has mobile coverage, there are even more reasons to visit this idyllic spot all year round."
Barcaldine Regional Council Mayor Rob Chandler said 'Telstra was to be commended for partnering with the Barcaldine Regional Council to provide this strategic piece of infrastructure.
"Not only is Lake Dunn a popular place for locals and visitors alike, there is also a RFDS Airstrip adjacent to the Lake," Mr Chandler said
"The exceptional 4G coverage at The Lake will be a boost to regional and community services, business and safety."
Ms Cliffe said her team had recently wrapped up a tour of Winton, Longreach and Barcaldine to meet with regional and remote customers who would normally have to travel hundreds of kilometres to their closest Telstra store.
"Over the last few days customers had the opportunity to sit down with an expert team member and ask about their existing Telstra services, raise any issues they may be having and learn about new products," she said.
"Customers were also be able to find out about how to maximise mobile coverage with a Telstra Go Repeater, and hear about the benefits of Voice over Wi-Fi, external antennas and Small Cells.
"It was wonderful to meet with so many customers to help local business thrive and enable more people to connect to who and what they love."
